Gaza’s Roadblock: A Journey of Hope, Not Higher Learning

Mariam al-Najar’s story is one of shattered dreams and lost opportunities. The 24-year-old student from Khan Younis in Gaza had finally received acceptance to a master’s degree program in economics and management at the University of Cassino and Southern Lazio in Italy, but her future remains uncertain due to Israeli restrictions on travel.

The Italian government has made efforts to facilitate travel for Palestinian students from Gaza, but these efforts have been hindered by Israeli bureaucracy. According to Professor Giovanna Citti from the University of Bologna, “The main obstacle facing Palestinian students from Gaza is not obtaining university admission itself, but their ability to leave Gaza and complete the procedures required to reach Italy.”

Mariam’s situation is far from unique. The Italian government has evacuated approximately 229 students from Gaza prior to May 2026, with another group of around 40 joining in June. This influx of students seeking education abroad is largely driven by Italy’s lower living and tuition costs compared to other European countries.

However, the process of securing travel permits for these students is complex and time-consuming. The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs claims to work closely with universities to facilitate travel, but in reality, humanitarian corridors require intensive diplomatic negotiations. Obtaining exit permits from Gaza is a daunting task, as Citti emphasized: “The delay in travel procedures has become a major concern for students who have already received scholarships and university places.”

Gaza40+, an initiative focused on scholarships and student travel, has emerged to address the growing challenge of supporting Palestinian students seeking higher education outside Gaza. With over 1,200 registered Palestinian students in need of assistance, the organization is working tirelessly to support students like Mariam.

The situation in Gaza highlights a broader problem – one that speaks to deep-seated issues plaguing our world today. The access to education and mobility reserved for those with privilege leaves behind those who are most in need, creating a new kind of global apartheid. This reality is starkly evident in the destruction of Gaza’s educational sector and infrastructure.

For Mariam and countless others like her, education has become a distant dream – one that seems to slip further away with each passing day. The situation serves as a reminder of our collective failure to provide access to education for those who need it most. It’s time for us to re-examine our priorities and work towards creating pathways for students like Mariam.

Their determination serves as a beacon of light in the darkness, reminding us that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, there is always a way forward – a future worth fighting for.